Education Support

Looking for information about our Professional Development workshops? Click here

Education Support

Education support is always available to families of children or teens with Down syndrome from our friendly education support staff. Families can call to discuss any issues or concerns, whatever they might be, or they can arrange a one-to-one visit. Our team members can provide relevant information, education resources and strategies at any stage of a child’s school life or can suggest where you might find them. In some cases where indicated, our staff can talk to your child’s teacher or pass on information for them, if this is likely to be of help. Students can be supported in a number of ways. Workshops on ‘transition’ or ‘supporting your child’s education’ and other topics are conducted for metro families when needed, and if funding is available in regional areas as well.

Professional development is run for teachers and education staff in the metro area every year, and (depending on funding) every two or three years in regional areas. A consultancy service is available all-year-round for schools, staff groups and classroom teachers. Click here to see more about our Training and Consultancy services.

Our new ‘Really Useful’ series of booklets are designed to help you work through decisions you need to make about school, and plan for life after school. These are available from our office. The booklets are available from our office and are free to people with Down syndrome and their families and $10 each for professionals. Contact the office to ask for the booklet you are interested in to be posted out to you (we would need to charge postage) or just pop in and pick up a copy. You can also view PDF copies of all of the booklets on our Resources page.

Click here to go to Education information to find out about the WA schools system and what is available.

No matter where your child is at school there can be issues that need to be resolved. As long as everyone keeps the child’s best interests at the forefront of their thoughts, then issues can usually be worked through successfully.

If you do have an issue, then make sure you deal with it early. Speak to the classroom teacher first and see if you can resolve it. Remember that you know your child best, and this puts you in the best position to advocate for them.

What happens if the principal of the school you have chosen for your child believes that the school cannot provide for your child’s individual needs?

If you believe that the school is the best choice for your child, then you must discuss your concerns with the District Student Services Manager or Student Services Manager at your local District Education Office. If you are applying to a non-government school then you will need to direct your enquiries to the school that you wish your child to attend.

You may consider the possibility of attending a school outside your Education District. If you wish to pursue this option you will need to have the support of the principal of your chosen school and personnel at the District Education Office.